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New York Catholics in Rome Pay Respects to Late Pope Francis
Nearly 200 Catholics from the New York area, including prominent figures like former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, embarked on a trip to Rome this week with hopes of potentially meeting Pope Francis. The pilgrimage, however, took an unexpected turn when the group found themselves paying their final respects to the pontiff instead. This journey, planned for months, aimed to honor Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan’s 75th birthday and the Jubilee Year – a significant period of grace and forgiveness observed every 25 years in the Catholic Church.
Unexpected Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
Cindy Caruso Aquila, a member of the Archdiocese of New York, expressed that a Papal audience was considered a real possibility. Instead, Cardinal Dolan arranged for the group to receive special access to Pope Francis’s remains at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
- “Many people were waiting in line for six or seven hours to walk past the casket, and we got in through a back door that many of the dignitaries were going through, and we got a chance to walk right by the pope’s casket. So that was very special, to see him,” Aquila stated.
Private Vatican Tour Led by Cardinal Dolan
Cardinal Dolan provided the group with an exclusive tour of the Vatican, offering insights into the conclave that elected Pope Francis.
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A Visit to the Conclave Room
- “It was very special to be in the room where the cardinals voted in a new pope,” Aquila remarked.
A Profound and Spiritual Journey
Aquila described the experience as “extraordinary,” “special,” and “very spiritual.” The group is scheduled to return to New York on Tuesday, carrying memories of their unexpected encounter with history and faith during this pilgrimage to Rome.